Gauteng Education sends condolences to family of learner fatally stabbed

The police arrested two University of Johannesburg (UJ) students for the alleged murder of Simphiwe Biyela (18) from Musi High School in Pimville.

The two allegedly beat Biyela with a baseball bat, stabbed him with an empty bottle and slit his throat on May 5.

According to the ANCYL secretary in Ward 24, Scebiso Masondo, the students were drinking in one of the campus residences in Power Park when they allegedly stopped a school bus which Biyela was travelling in from school to home, demanding that the bus driver accompany them to buy alcohol at a nearest outlet, with the learners inside.

ALSO READ: UJ students arrested for murder of Pimville learner

“After the driver refused, they started harassing the learners and taking their beanies and other belongings.

“The driver then dropped the learners at their various stops, but when they returned for their belongings, a shuffle broke out,” Masondo said.

“Two students were arrested, and four are still on the run. We condemn such outrageous behaviour and will make sure justice prevails. Our learners cannot be killed like animals.”

The family spokesperson, Sizwe Biyela, said they were distraught by the passing of their son and want justice to be served.

“We found him with wounds on his hands and chest, indicating he died fighting for his life. No one in our family is coping with his death, especially his mother.

“She came from KwaZulu-Natal only to find her child in such a predicament, while all she wanted was for him to go to school and have a better future,” Biyela said.

ALS READ: Woman found killed in Lufhereng

The Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) extended condolences to the Biyela family.

According to the Gauteng MEC of education, Matome Chioloane, the incident led to disruptions at Musi High School and other schools in Pimville on May 7.

“At Musi High School, teaching resumed as normal. However, schooling was interrupted during the third period when about 150 learners allegedly forced their way out of the school premises.

This group allegedly disrupted two other schools in the area and marched to the University of Johannesburg in protest of Biyela’s passing.

“The GDE can confirm that learners at schools affected by disruptions were safe, and the curriculum delivery continued,” MEC Chiloaene said.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the death of Biyela.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the learner’s family, friends, and the community during this painful time.

The department remains committed to supporting the school and ensuring the safety and well-being of all learners and staff. Learning and teaching will continue as normal.

ALSO READ: Suspect killed, two in hospital and more arrested during shootout with police

“We plead for communities in the surrounding areas to allow law enforcement agencies to address this injustice and refrain from further disrupting schooling.

“Our psycho-social support team has since been deployed to Musi High School to provide trauma counselling to affected learners, staff, and the school community.”